Cutting chamfers and fillets?

[prestondocks]

Hi All,

I am just starting out with Mastercam X5 for solidworks. I have been able to get mastercam to produce a tool path for flat surfaces and for pockets, but I cant understand how to produce a tool path for a fillet or a chamfer.

I have created a solid square box in solidworks and put a chamfer on each of the four top edges, very simple. I can get Mastercam to mill off the excess material from my stock setup, but for the life of me I cant make a tool path for the fillets.

Please can someone point me in the correct direction. I am pulling my hair out after 3 days.

Thanks
Simon

[WallyL7]

Most of the time fillets follow contours, so just use the contour (edges) and create your tool with a corner radius. (2d contour with a ballnose/bullnose endmill - it's that easy)

Chamfers - use the same contours (edges) as the main wall, use 2d contour toolpath like above, then select 2d chamfer and define the size of chamfer you want - create a spot drill/chamfermill type of tool and you are done.

Post a model or file and I can help if you need.

[prestondocks]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for getting back. Not quite sure how to put your answer into action. I tried to select a ball nose tool and a 2D contour but I still dont get what I am expecting.

I have attached a JPG of the type of cuts I am trying to make, if you are able to provide any help it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks
Simon

[mopar]

SELECT CREATE SURFACE FROM SOLID , SELECT THE SOLID , ENTER,
SELECT TOOLPATHS SURFACE FINISH ,SELECT RADIUS SURFACE YOU JUST CREATED SELECT FLOW FROM BOTTOM TO TOP ADJUST PARAMETERS UNTIL U LIKE IT ..

[prestondocks]

Sorry to be so Dim, but when you say create surface from Solid, are you in Mastercam at that point or Solidworks. I dont see a Create surface from Solid menu option in either the Mastercam menu or in Solidworks menus.

Just so we are singing from the same sheet, I am using MasterCam X 5 for Solidworks.

Thanks

[WallyL7]

Sorry - by fillet I thought you meant an inside radius. For an outside radius, that you don't want to use a corner rounding endmill for, use a surfacing toolpath with a ball with a tight stepover (.010-.020") (depending on how smooth you want the surface.) I would use a cornerrounder if you can, though - if it is a normal fraction/size since it will save you incredible amounts of time over surfacing.

For surfacing, you need to select the "Faces" that are rounded for the main drive surfaces and select the top face as a face to avoid (under the "check" section). I don't think you need to create surfaces from solids - at least you don't in the "regular" mastercam. You are free to just select the faces.

If I have a few minutes here I will get you a quick file - I assume that Solidworks X5 will open a regular X5 part...?

[prestondocks]

Thanks Tim, What do they say, a picture speaks a thousand words. A file to look at would be really helpful.

Your a star

Thanks
Simon

[WallyL7]

Simon,

This is just a simple surface parallel toolpath. Different surfacing toolpaths follow the material differently, (That sounds obvious enough...lol) so experiment with them to see what they do.

Chamfers are much simpler as they are just 2d contours with 2d chamfer selected.